Making Chips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders

What happens when a childhood obsession with trains turns into a manufacturing business? In this episode of MakingChips Generation CNC, we sit down with Chris Huffman, a young shop owner who launched Huffman Machining Solutions at just 21 years old. Now 26, Chris is building his business one machine, one customer, and one calculated risk at a time. Chris didn't grow up in a machining family, and he didn't follow the traditional path into manufacturing. Instead, his curiosity started with steam locomotives and model trains. That fascination led him to learn how parts were made, which eventually pulled him into machining. Along the way, he realized he didn't just love trains. He loved the process of turning raw material into precision components. That passion evolved into opportunity. Requests for custom parts began to pile up, and Chris saw a path forward. With minimal overhead, a steady job at a community college, and a willingness to take calculated risks, he bought his first machine, found a small space, and started building his shop from the ground up. In this conversation, Chris shares the realities of starting young. He talks through financing equipment, navigating insurance challenges, buying used machines, and learning business skills on the fly. He also opens up about the mental side of entrepreneurship, including the pressure of hiring a first employee and the responsibility that comes with building something bigger than yourself. This episode is a great look at what the next generation of manufacturing founders actually looks like. It's not about overnight success. It's about passion, persistence, and slowly laying the track to build a sustainable machine shop. Segments (0:00) Introduction to Chris Huffman and the Generation CNC young founder series (1:06) Starting a machine shop at 21 and the story behind Huffman Machining Solutions (4:30) From model trains to machining and discovering a passion for manufacturing (9:18) Why you need to come see us at IMTS 2026! (11:00) Desire to work on historic locomotives and falling in love with machining itself (14:10) Demand for parts lead to launching the business in 2022 (16:16) Transitioning from teaching machining to running a shop full-time (19:30) Financing the first machine and lessons learned about tooling costs (22:02) Buying a used Mazak and costly surprises after purchase (25:54) Adding additional machines and building capability as a one-man shop (28:43) Paperless Parts: CMMC compliant and secure option for estimating and quoting (29:55) The "#ThankAMachinist" mindset and educating others about manufacturing (33:20) Hiring plans, apprenticeships, and outgrowing the current space (37:13) The fear and responsibility of hiring the first employee (38:40) Why we created Hire MFG Leaders (and why you should use it) (39:08) Learning the business side: scheduling, marketing, and sales (41:39) Long-term goals including ISO certification and ERP implementation (43:15) Letting go of machining work to grow the business (45:21) Opportunity to acquire retiring shop owners' businesses (46:50) Hosts' reflections on passion-driven paths into manufacturing Resources mentioned on this episode IMTS 2026: https://www.imts.com/ Paperless Parts: https://www.paperlessparts.com/ Coffey Machining Group: https://coffeymg.com/ The E-Myth Revisited: https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Revisited-Small-Businesses-About/dp/0887307280 Huffman Machining Solutions: https://huffmanmachining.com/ Connect with Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-huffman-93b69423b/ Chris@HuffmanMachining.com

They started a machine shop before turning 30… and doubled their projections in year one. In this episode of MakingChips Generation CNC, we sit down with Sean and Sinjon of Three Rivers Precision to hear how two mechanical engineers turned hands-on curiosity into a high-end machining business focused on five-axis work, titanium, and complex parts. What began in a university machine shop quickly evolved into five years of learning inside a young manufacturing company, where they gained experience across programming, estimating, project management, and customer communication. When that company shifted direction, they made the leap. They mapped out their financial runway, secured startup funding, built out an empty facility, and launched with a clear strategy: focus on difficult materials, deliver fast, and build relationships by exceeding expectations. The result? A fully booked shop, automation plans, and growth without rushing to hire. Sean and Sinjon also share how they structured a 50/50 partnership, why they're prioritizing lights-out machining over headcount, their philosophy on paying skilled machinists well, and the mindset that helped them go all-in and build a modern machine shop from day one. From funding and partnerships to five-axis strategy and customer acquisition, this episode offers a candid look at how the next generation of manufacturing leaders is building modern machine shops from day one. Segments (0:00) Introduction to Sean and Sinjon from Three Rivers Precision and their growth journey (2:21) Meeting at the University of Pittsburgh and early exposure to machining (9:04) Why Sean and Sinjon decided to launch Three Rivers Precision (15:15) Paperless Parts and secure AI-powered quoting for manufacturers (16:27) The emotional and financial risk of leaving secure jobs (17:53) Working with the Small Business Development Center (19:14) SMW Autoblok and the seven habits of highly effective workholding (21:04) Turning an empty shell into a working shop and their early sales strategy (24:02) Why they chose a higher-end machine strategy from the beginning (26:20) Why one-op or two-op efficiency matters more than "fancy" five-axis parts (27:30) Why they intentionally pursued harder materials (32:04) Paperless Parts: How to take the complexity out of running your business (39:53 ) How they're finding work and thinking about future growth (43:11) Their decision to pursue AS9100 early (44:43) What it's like to co-own a 50/50 business (47:04) Building a business around quality of life and flexibility (49:12) Factur and building a more consistent pipeline (53:52) How they're tracking against their original business plan (57:15) What was critical to their successful first year? (1:01:19) Final advice for young founders (1:03:05) Where to find Three Rivers Precision Resources mentioned on this episode SBDC CDFI Factur can help you build a more consistent pipeline: FacturMFG.com/chips Paperless Parts and secure AI-powered quoting for manufacturers SMW Autoblok and the seven habits of highly effective workholding ThreeRiversPrecision.com Connect on LinkedIn Hello@ThreeRiversPrevision.com Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Automation and lights-out manufacturing are often framed as the future of machining, but for many shops that future is already here. In this episode of MakingChips, we sit down with longtime industry leader Keith Grano to talk about what lights-out machining actually looks like in practice. Drawing on years of experience working with manufacturers, Keith explains how automation, machine monitoring, and disciplined processes allow shops to run more efficiently and extend production beyond the traditional workday. Lights-out machining isn't about replacing people. It's about using technology to make better use of the time, talent, and equipment already inside a shop. When done well, it increases capacity, improves consistency, and helps manufacturers grow even when skilled labor is limited. Keith walks through the practical considerations behind unattended production, including machine reliability, process stability, tooling strategy, and the systems required to keep parts running when no one is standing at the control. Along the way, we explore why many shops struggle to implement automation and why incremental steps often work better than trying to jump straight into fully autonomous production. This conversation also connects to a theme we've been exploring across our Generation CNC series: the next generation of manufacturing leaders is entering an industry where automation and digital systems are becoming foundational capabilities. Understanding how lights-out machining works, and when it makes sense, will shape how the next generation builds and scales their shops. Segments (1:28) Introducing Keith Grano and his background in manufacturing automation (3:06) What "lights-out machining" actually means in a modern shop (7:23) Why automation is about maximizing equipment and people, not replacing labor (12:09) The operational discipline required to run machines unattended (14:52) How ProShop ERP can help you achieve on-time delivery (20:11) Why process stability matters more than the machine itself (25:08) Tooling strategy, monitoring, and the systems that support unattended production (29:38) If you want the speed of AI without the risk, go to PaperlessParts.com (30:53) The mindset you need to have to implement lights-out machining (33:13) Where do you start with lights out automation? (40:08) How to adjust your mindset to allow for automation (46:33) How machine monitoring and data change decision-making on the shop floor (51:27) Why we created Hire MFG Leaders (and why you should use it) (51:58) The most affordable way to automate a five-axis setup (58:54) How state, local, and federal grants can help cover purchases (1:00:47) How to determine what to charge for a machine's time Resources mentioned on this episode Visit proshoperp.com/95 to get a free guide to achieve on-time delivery If you want the speed of AI without the risk, go to PaperlessParts.com Why we created Hire MFG Leaders (and why you should use it) ROI Calculator Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

At 17 years old, Michael King bought a brand-new CNC machine despite never having seen one in person. With no formal trade school background or apprenticeship, he relied on years of self-directed learning, curiosity, and a steady stream of YouTube machining content to take the leap. He sectioned off space in his dad's warehouse, installed a Haas DM2, and started figuring it out in real time. What began as a personal interest in building things quickly turned into real production work. A stainless steel contract gave him early traction. A used Swiss machine that arrived broken forced him to learn diagnostics and hand-code thousands of lines of G-code. Over time, one machine became several, including a dual-spindle lathe and a five-axis Matsura, forming the foundation of what is now The Monk Works. In this episode of MakingChips Generation CNC, we talk through how Michael has approached growth with unusual discipline. He's kept overhead low, relied entirely on word-of-mouth instead of advertising, and leaned heavily into technology from day one. Rather than scaling by adding headcount immediately, he's focused on automation, standardized tooling, and building systems that allow the business to operate beyond what he can personally track in his head. The conversation also explores how he thinks about cash flow, process maturity, quality, and long-term sustainability. At just 20 years old, married with two kids, Michael is already navigating the tension between capacity and structure, ambition and patience. His story challenges the idea that manufacturing has a high barrier to entry while reinforcing that longevity still depends on discipline and intentional decision-making. Segments (0:00) Buying a brand-new Haas DM2 at 17 (before ever seeing a CNC machine in person) (1:24) RC planes, 3D printing, Fusion 360, and discovering machining through YouTube (6:24) The YouTube channels that shaped Michael's journey (8:27) Paperless Parts: secure AI-powered quoting built for manufacturers (9:42) Landing the first year-long stainless contract and realizing the machine had more capacity (11:00) How Michael learned business fundamentals from his dad (12:21) Becoming a firefighter, HVAC tech, drone pilot, and getting married (13:38) The $5,000 "working" Swiss machine and the lessons that followed (16:39) The Monk Works brand story: small, fast, agile, and intentionally different (18:58) IMTS 2026: Why getting out of the shop and into the show matters (20:07) Financing growth: bootstrapping under an established family business (21:44) Homeschooling, self-directed learning, and defining meaningful work (22:38) Faith, diligence, and quality as a leadership philosophy (23:52) Realizing systems must scale before workload does (25:35) Building his business entirely through word-of-mouth (26:52) Launching proprietary titanium suppressor accessories alongside contract work (28:00) Certifications, ERP systems, and preparing for higher-regulated industries (29:47) Embracing paperless workflows, CAM, automation, and standardized tooling (33:09) Adding automation to unlock capacity without adding labor (35:50) SMW Autoblok, RASRAM, and the seven habits of highly effective workholding (37:50) Advice for young entrepreneurs: low overhead, low risk, and just start Resources mentioned on this episode The Munkworks Connect with Michael on LinkedIn TITANS of CNC NYC CNC John Grimsmo Adam Savage Hacksmith Industries Donnie Hinske Paperless Parts Join us at IMTS 2026 SMW Autoblok Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

In this episode of MakingChips, we continue our young founders series with a story that challenges the traditional growth narrative in manufacturing. At just 26, Walter Peters is balancing a full-time job at a defense-focused shop with building MW Machine Co. from a modest 500-square-foot industrial unit. Walter didn't start with a big loan or a brand-new machine. He bought a used CNC mill for $6,500, kept overhead intentionally low, and focused on getting good at both machining and business fundamentals. But what makes this conversation especially interesting isn't just how he started. It's how he defines success. Walter isn't chasing 100 spindles or a massive payroll. He's building toward a highly automated, small-footprint, lifestyle-oriented shop that gives him time freedom and intellectual stimulation without the burden of heavy overhead or HR complexity. We talk about finding work with no formal sales plan, leveraging Google reviews, balancing a day job while building a business, using AI as a thinking partner, and why low stress starts with low fixed costs. This episode is a grounded, practical look at modern entrepreneurship in manufacturing — especially for the next generation. Segments (0:00) Introducing Walter Peters and MW Machine C. (2:31) Walter's unconventional path from video production to woodworking to machining (6:13) Leaving cabinet work and moving toward CNC-focused fabrication (8:42) Meet us at MFG Meeting 2026 (9:32) Buying his first CNC mill and signing a lease in late 2023 (11:21) Landing early work through cold calls and a serendipitous utility customer (14:31) The reality of entrepreneurship: quoting, purchasing, and doing the "business stuff" (16:03) Working full-time while building MW Machine Co. (19:31) The current shop setup: one CNC mill, manual lathe, TIG welder, 500 sq. ft. space (20:18) Bootstrapping with less than $30,000 and reaching profitability in year two (22:52) Managing cash flow and keeping monthly overhead intentionally low (23:57) His long-term plan to go full-time and why he's staying employed for now (25:25) His long-term vision: a small, automated shop connected to his home (26:43) Time freedom, automation, and the Lights Out mindset (30:20) The goal of owning the building and eliminating rent as overhead (31:45) Get a free report about the opportunities available to you at Facturmfg.com/chips (32:48) Growing up around content creation and craftsmanship with his father (37:43) Using ChatGPT and AI tools to think through quoting and problem-solving (41:18) Generating work through Google reviews and inbound RFQs (46:12) Why low overhead and small, shippable parts create leverage (46:56) Need workholding? Check out the SMW Autoblok catalog Resources mentioned on this episode Walter Peters MW Machine Co. Meet us at MFG Meeting 2026 Get a free report about the opportunities available to you at Facturmfg.com/chips Need workholding? Check out the SMW Autoblok catalog The Long View Podcast Longview Woodworking Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

What happens when a 26-year-old machine shop kid decides the real bottleneck in American manufacturing isn't machining—it's metal supply? In this episode, we sit down with Zane Hengsperger, founder and CEO of Knox Metals, to talk about building a modern service center powered by AI, automation, and software. Zane's mission is bold: supply every factory in America in under 24 hours at a fair, transparent price. Raised in his father's injection molding shop, Zane grew up on shop floors before pivoting into software, startups, and eventually reindustrialization. After publicly sharing his ideas online, Y Combinator reached out—and within 24 hours, he had funding and a flight to San Francisco. We explore what it takes to modernize the metals supply chain, the friction of accessing domestic mills, the realities of startup logistics, and why focusing exclusively on aluminum plate might be Knox's smartest strategic move yet. This is a conversation about speed, ownership, risk, and the future of American manufacturing—not just at the machine level, but across the entire supply chain. Segments (1:34) Introducing Zane Hengsperger and Knox Metals' mission (2:46) Growing up in a machine shop and learning manufacturing early (3:35) Paperless Parts ad — Secure AI for quoting (4:48) From software startup to reindustrialization (6:48) Early struggles gaining access to domestic mills (8:53) Why Knox is narrowing focus to aluminum plate (10:05) Instant quoting and automated cutting — what makes it different (11:30) Building a hybrid team: industry veterans + software talent (13:05) Potential integrations and vertical integration strategy (16:23) Team structure and rapid early growth (18:26) How Y Combinator found Zane — and funded Knox in 24 hours (20:59) Young founders, machine shop resurgence, and generational opportunity (25:00) How to attract young talent into manufacturing (27:05) MFG 2026 ad — Executive leadership event (29:48) The overlooked opportunities in manufacturing careers beyond the shop floor (30:59) Early lessons: building selection and trying to serve everyone (32:52) Why narrowing their focus created leverage (33:42) How Knox manages inventory, mills, and lead times (36:10) The massive aluminum block story (18,000+ pounds) (39:21) Mentorship, investors, and surrounding yourself with believers (41:46) YC's push into reindustrialization (45:50) Technology vs. tribal knowledge in rebuilding industry (47:24) Has age been an obstacle? Building trust over time (49:59) Biggest wins so far — stacking consistent progress (51:47) Expansion plans: LA, regional giga-factories, and automation (54:19) ProShop ad — Investing in your own shop first (55:56) Where to find Knox Metals and connect with Zane Resources mentioned on this episode NOX Metals Connect with Zane on X and LinkedIn Zane@NoxMetals.co The Technological Republic Y Combinator Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Recorded live from McCormick Place in Chicago, this episode marks the official kickoff of the MakingChips journey toward IMTS 2026. With nine months to go, we sit down with two leaders helping shape the show itself: Michelle Edmondson, Vice President of Exhibitions for IMTS, and Bonnie Gurney, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Industry Relations. What unfolds is a behind-the-scenes look at how the largest manufacturing technology show in North America is built — from campaign strategy and theme development to visitor planning, education tracks, emerging technologies, and student engagement. This year's theme, "Achieve the Impossible," paired with the campaign message around "Six Days," reflects what IMTS is really about: momentum. It's not just about buying a machine this year. It's about seeing where the industry is heading five years from now. We explore how exhibitors should define ROI, why attendees need a strategy before walking the floor, what's new in 2026 (including the Industrial AI Arena and the 20th anniversary of the Emerging Technology Center), and how young people — including our own kids — can get plugged into manufacturing through Smartforce and the Student Summit. Whether you're an exhibitor, an attendee, or still on the fence, this episode is a practical roadmap for how to get the most out of IMTS — and why it matters more than ever in today's manufacturing climate. Segments (0:00) Live from Chicago: Exhibitor Workshop energy and early IMTS planning (2:17) Hennig's evolving booth strategy and bringing real machines to the floor (3:43) Why you need to be at the MFG Meeting 2026 (4:38) Introducing Michelle Edmondson and Bonnie Gurney from IMTS (7:04) The power of long-term partnerships and IMTS' impact on careers (8:58) Defining ROI for exhibitors: Setting measurable goals before the show begins (11:16) Planning IMTS as an attendee: short-term shopping list vs. long-term vision (13:21) IMTS 2026 theme: "Achieve the Impossible" and the Six Days campaign (14:52) How real visitors shape the ad campaign and messaging (16:07) Student Summit and engaging the next generation (17:40) Family business, succession, and getting kids into manufacturing (21:55) Common exhibitor mistakes — territory gatekeeping and lost opportunities (23:48) Factur: Building consistent pipeline systems for manufacturers (24:54) Behind the scenes: how IMTS develops its theme and campaign strategy (29:25) 20th anniversary of the Emerging Technology Center (30:04) Launch of the new Industrial AI Arena and AI conference (30:59) Education tracks, co-located conferences, and specialized programming (33:56) MakingChips live podcast studio plans at IMTS 2026 (35:47) Rockford IMTS summer party and nonprofit partnership (37:35) Smartforce, Student Summit, and how schools can get involved (39:12) What visitors should be doing right now to prepare (41:19) Housing deadlines and avoiding scam hotel vendors (43:24) Hire MFG Leaders: Recruiting leaders who understand manufacturing (43:52) Will IMTS 2026 be the best show ever? Why optimism is high (45:53) Young founders in manufacturing and the entrepreneurship tailwind Resources mentioned on this episode Connect with Michelle Edmondson Connect with Bonnie Gurney IMTS 2026 IMTS Smartforce Student Summit IMTS Show Planner USMTO Report Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

This episode of MakingChips is different from most conversations we have on the show, and it needed to be. In late 2025, the manufacturing community was shaken by the murder of Amber Czech, a welder who was killed by a coworker after reporting harassment multiple times. That tragedy forced many of us to confront an uncomfortable truth: workplace violence and harassment are not abstract issues. They are real, ongoing, and present in the trades today. In this episode, Paul Van Metre is joined by Nush Ahmed, CEO of Sisterhood of Trades, along with two national experts who work directly on workplace violence and gender justice. Jessica Stender of Equal Rights Advocates and Anna Van Balen of Futures Without Violence bring decades of experience working with employers, workers, and policymakers to help address harassment, escalation, and prevention in real workplaces. Together, we talk candidly about how harassment often becomes normalized in the trades, why underreporting is so common, and how unchecked behavior can escalate into violence. We also discuss what shop owners and leaders can do today, not just to comply with the law, but to build workplaces that are genuinely safe, respectful, and welcoming. This conversation is about responsibility. It's about leadership. And it's about recognizing that culture, policies, and daily behavior all play a role in preventing harm. For owners, managers, and anyone who cares about the future of manufacturing, this episode is a call to take workplace safety seriously, before another tragedy forces the issue. Segments (0:54) Introducing Nush Ahmed and her work advocating for women in the trades (2:44) Why the murder of Amber Czech prompted this episode (4:56) Introducing Anna Van Balen and the work of Futures Without Violence (6:26) Introducing Jessica Stender and Equal Rights Advocates (7:28) What Nush hears daily from women in the trades about harassment and safety (10:12) Why workplace culture must be addressed alongside physical safety (12:35) The data on harassment prevalence in skilled trades (15:14) What shop owners can do to begin protecting their teams (19:14) Why "check-the-box" training fails and what effective training looks like (21:38) How harassment escalates when early behavior goes unaddressed (22:50) Why reporting is so difficult and fear of retaliation is real (25:42) The reality of repeated HR reports and system failure (28:48) The responsibility of owners to investigate and act, even in small shops (32:16) Safety planning, allyship, and the role of bystanders (36:16) Building ally communities and encouraging men to engage constructively (39:41) What leaders can say and do proactively to create safer workplaces (41:53) Why respectful workplaces benefit everyone, not just marginalized groups (42:50) Reviewing policies, audits, training, and reporting structures (48:50) Practical resources available to employers and workers (52:10) Sisterhood of Trades resources and community support (55:06) How to connect with Jessica and Anna's organizations (56:38) How to engage with Sisterhood of Trades and Next Gen MFG (58:03) Closing reflections on responsibility, culture, and speaking up Resources mentioned on this episode Connect with Anna Van Balen and Futures Without Violence Connect with Jessica Stender and Equal Rights Sexual Harassment Response Training and Toolkit Sexual Assault Response Training and Toolkit How to create workplace policies Workplaces Respond National Resource Center The California Civil Rights Department Email: workplacesrespond@futureswithoutviolence.org Tradeswomen Task Force Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Starting a machine shop doesn't always begin with a perfectly laid business plan, a polished facility, or years of hands-on experience. Sometimes it starts in a garage, with curiosity, YouTube videos, and a willingness to figure things out one mistake at a time. In this episode of MakingChips, we sit down with brothers James and Sean Cerven to talk about how they built their shop from the ground up during COVID. With backgrounds in mechanical engineering but almost no hands-on machining experience, they bought a small CNC, welded their own enclosure, and decided early on to take the business seriously, even when the operation itself was still small. Their story is a candid look at starting early and learning fast. The Cerven brothers share how financing machines, running jobs out of a garage, hiring quality before machinists, and investing in systems ahead of schedule helped them survive the most fragile years of the business. Along the way, we talk about learning through online communities, when advice helps and when it hurts, why gut instinct still matters even when mentors are involved, and how discipline, systems, and credibility can allow a very small team to punch far above its weight. If you're thinking about starting a shop, already in the early stages of ownership, or curious how the next generation is approaching manufacturing, this conversation offers an honest, unfiltered look at what building a CNC business actually takes. Segments (0:00) Kicking off the conversation and why this story stood out (2:00) Engineering backgrounds, COVID lockdowns, and buying the first CNC (3:33) Why they decided to turn machining into a business to fund tooling (6:10) Learning machining through YouTube, trial, error, and bad cuts (7:30) Why we love the SMW Autoblok catalog (8:00) Parents, neighbors, and running CNCs late at night (11:34) Early financial discipline and separating personal and business money (14:20) Exposure to entrepreneurship and learning through podcasts and peers (18:38) Finding first customers through friends and online communities (19:35) Building a machining-focused business community online (22:20) Scaling equipment and deciding when automation actually makes sense (25:54) Financing machines and managing growing monthly obligations (29:00) Why bookkeeping, accountants, and financial reviews mattered early (30:06) Factur: Market intelligence and targeting the right customers (34:39) Hire MFG Leaders ad: Hiring manufacturing leaders who actually fit (35:04) Working on the business versus in the business (40:16) Hiring quality before machinists and why it paid off (43:45) Investing early in systems and ERP to build credibility (52:03) Lessons learned from buying too small or cutting corners (54:18) Mistakes with customers, outsourcing, and trusting the wrong advice (58:40) Why founders can't outsource strategy or culture (1:01:40) Why you need to check out Buy the Numbers (1:02:38) Advice for young founders building their network (1:07:00) Where to connect with the Cerven brothers (1:08:00) Final reflections on starting early and thinking long-term Resources mentioned on this episode SMW Autoblok catalog Get a free industry report from Factur at FacturMFG.com/chips Buy the Numbers podcast The Third Door Cerven Solutions on Instagram Cerven Solutions Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Launching a CNC shop young comes with no shortage of advice — but not all of it comes from experience earned the hard way. In this episode, we bring in Larry Robbins to speak directly to the next generation of shop owners. Larry has spent decades building companies, leading teams, and navigating growth, failure, and reinvention inside manufacturing. Instead of talking tools or tactics, this conversation focuses on the fundamentals that actually last. Larry shares lessons on planning before you leap, learning from mistakes without repeating them, and why humility, honesty, and relationships matter more than any single machine or strategy. Along the way, we explore how younger founders can use modern tools like AI without losing the human side of business, why budgeting and organization are non-negotiable, and how building value means thinking beyond short-term wins. This episode serves as a reset for anyone starting early — or starting over — in manufacturing. If you're thinking about ownership, leadership, or legacy, this one is worth slowing down for. Segments (1:44) Why we're launching the Generation CNC highlighting founders under 30 (3:02) Larry's first piece of advice: Leverage older generations as resources (4:45) Why writing a real business plan matters, even if you're not borrowing money (6:03) Learning by doing, making mistakes early, and why experience compounds over time (9:00) Imposter syndrome, asking questions, and why no one should aim to be the smartest person in the room (10:23) Truth, integrity, and why lies always cost more in the long run (11:14) Mark your calendars and meet us at IMTS 2026! (12:06) How modern tools like AI can help young founders build better business plans (14:21) The power of networks and how relationships open doors (18:25) Holding yourself accountable as a business owner (20:49) Staying organized, building systems, and why chaos is optional (28:24) What's Your Method? Transitioning manual machinists to CNC (35:47) How Factur can help you build consistent sales pipelines through targeted outreach (36:49) Humility, passion, and why you shouldn't build a business around something you don't care about (39:21) Generational businesses, entrepreneurship inside family companies, and carrying the torch forward (44:15) Giving back, mentoring younger leaders, and why relationships outlast transactions (50:30) Why AI can't replace networks and never will (55:48) What's happening with workholding that you need to pay attention to (1:06:09) Why an investment in ProShop ERP is an investment in your business (1:07:45) Final reflections on leadership, legacy, and building something worth passing on Resources mentioned on this episode Mark your calendars and meet us at IMTS 2026! Check out Methods Machine Tools and connect with Jleflore@methodsmachine.com Get a free report of opportunities in your industry from Facturmfg.com/chips Why an investment in ProShop ERP is an investment in your business BOOK: Die with Zero Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube